John 8:30-34
As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
As we reflect on the importance of liberty and freedom in recognition of Black History Month, I’d like to bring our attention to the testimony of Christ. We that know Him, know He is the originator of liberty and author of true freedom. Outside of His love, protection and sovereign will, there is no authentic liberty, lasting freedom or abiding peace. But to find that perfect balance, we need to channel our spiritual discernment. God hears our cries and sees our dilemmas. He has assigned agents of reconciliation, comfort and care for the benefit of His people. He’s sent angels, prophets and anointed ministers to speak to us, and to pave the way for our rescue. The more I study the life, times and contributions of Harriet Tubman the more I’m convinced she was a prophet of God. Certainly a minister for the deliverance of His people.
Here’s a brief biographical sketch of her life.
Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross, c. March 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist and social activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 slaves, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the movement for women's suffrage.
That’s an excellent synopsis. But as with most biographies, it leaves out some very important facts. Her individual efforts may have only netted 70 slaves, but it fails to mention that during the Civil War she was called upon to lead an expedition of 150 African American soldiers of the 2nd South Carolina Infantry. The Union ships rescued and transported more than 750 slaves, many of whom joined the Union Army. And that’s not all. Did you notice her thirst for freedom didn’t stop with slaves? She added to freeing slaves the cause of woman’s voting rights. True liberators understanding that none of us are free until we all are free.
I love what she accomplished, but my infatuation with Harriet Tubman is more spiritual than civil. She may not have worked in a church, but we can’t possibly look at her success and not understand she was an anointed vessel of God. There’s no way she could have overcome the obstacles and obstructions of her day without the Lord on her side. With all she had to face, if anyone should have failed, she should’ve. With her illness, lack of education, and systemic racism, there’s no way she could have succeeded on her own. Which makes us understand that the God we meet on Sunday is equally concerned with our Mondays. His power is not relegated to Sunday fellowship, or His anointing limited to service time. The liberty and freedom the Lord brings our souls also infiltrates and dominates our daily lives. His leading and guidance supercharges the invisible and controls the atmosphere whenever and wherever His people place their feet.
Dear Children of the King, in the case of Harriet Tubman and all those appointed, anointed and called by God to bring the liberty of Christ to an incarcerated world, we honor them today with the resolve to join the fight for justice, parity, freedom and peace. Knowing full well, No Jesus, No Peace, Know Jesus and Know Peace.
God Bless
